§ 17. Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what specific plans he now has to reduce unemployment in the county of Dyfed, and in Ceredigion and Pembroke, North in particular; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsProspects for the areas concerned will benefit from the continuing work of the Government and the statutory agencies in infrastructure development, from regional industrial assistance and from aid from European Community sources.
§ Mr. HowellsI am sure that the Secretary of State is well aware that the number of people unemployed in the Teifi Valley is the highest in percentage terms for many years. As so many people are unemployed in the Teifi Valley catchment area, will the right hon. Gentleman consider including north Pembroke down to Fishguard in the mid-Wales development area ?
§ Mr. EdwardsOn a number of occasions we have considered the extension of the mid-Wales development area — established under my predecessor — but have concluded that it would not be of benefit. As the hon. Gentleman knows, the various agencies are working together on the development of the Teifi Valley initative, which was launched last year, and work is well advanced 729 on the provision of a business centre at Newcastle Emlyn that will involve counselling in business training. Of course, Mid-Wales Development will continue to attach priority to the needs of that area.